2009 was a remarkable year in sports and Minnesota related sports had some great moments as well. I am going to post my best and worsts from 2009 sports and others.
Best Minnesota Sports Figure:
I have to call this one a tie because both of these guys really made Minnesota sports fun to watch in 2009.
1a. Joe Mauer.
Despite missing the first month of the season. Joe hit more home runs than he has ever hit and was the AL MVP while leading the Twins to the 2009 Central Division title. He is the face of Minnesota sports and let's hope he is here to stay.
1b. Brett Favre
Favre put us through hell this summer when he wouldn't make up his mind, but it was all worth it when he decided to come play for the Vikings. He lead the Vikings to new heights and could bring a super bowl to Minnesota.
Best Minnesota Sports Moment:
This was easy for me, despite anything the Vikings have done, my favorite moment of the year was game 163 of the regular season for the Twins. So many ups and downs, mistakes by both teams. The walkoff hit by Casilla brought me off the couch jumping up and down. Although it was the last win for the Twins before they were swept by the Yankees, it was still a memorable moment.
Most Dissapointing Minnesota Athlete:
A couple of canidates here. Marian Gaborik dissapointed me by being injured and not showing up in the playoffs his whole career with the Wild and then leaving for the Rangers and playing like an all star. But I think I was more dissapointed in Fransisco Liriano. He never got it going in 2009 after being the opening day starter and finished the year in the bullpen. Now it looks like his days as a starter may be over. His career has took a downward turn after such a promising start.
Most Dissapointing Sports Moment:
If I had to pick one it would be game 2 of the ALDS, Twins vs. Yankees. Early in the game, the Twins missed out on a great oppurtunity when Carlos Gomez ran too far past second and prevented a run from scoring. Despite that huge mistake the Twins still managed a two run lead in the 9th and had Joe Nathan to close it out. Before he was able to get an out, A-Rod (my least favorite player in baseball) tied the game with a 2 run shot. Despite that the Twins were robbed of a leadoff double from Joe Mauer when the LF umpire called a ball that was fair by 2 feet and hit the LFs glove foul. Despite that blown call the Twins loaded the bases with no outs in the inning, but failed to score a run. The Yankees won the game and took any chance the Twins had away.
Overall it was a great year for Minnesota Sports. Lets hope the 2010 will be even better as the Vikings begin their playoff run and the Twins get ready to play outdoor baseball at Target field.
